“What did the mountains care about our plan to climb them, rafting the waters that divided them? They had eternity before us, and eternity after us. We were nothing to them.”

- Erica Ferencik, The River at Night

---

Doc Scurlock was quick to inform Bryan Lee that Billy had spent a fair bit of the last hour making James Dolan’s life hell. The Regulators’ leader had taken it upon himself to camp outside the storm cellar where Dolan was being held, dictating to Murphy’s lieutenant all of the terrible fates that might be awaiting him once the conflict in Lincoln was brought to a close. ”Billy didn’t rule out us takin’ Dolan up into the foothills and usin’ him for target practice,” Scurlock said, ”But he figured you might object, so he left it low on the list of possibilities.”

Scurlock led the group out to one of the line shacks, explaining that Bonney ”needed some time to carve up some of those special bullets he likes to use.” During the short ride, Scurlock said that he had learned that Governor Mosby had inserted himself into the selection of Lincoln’s new sheriff and had insisted that the court select someone who was truly neutral where county affairs were concerned. The man that ended up with the star was a sharpshooter and former buffalo hunter named Pat Garrett, who’d just come to the area a short time ago. No one at the ranch knew much about him.

Bonney emerged from the line shack as he heard the riders approaching. His usual brash manner was subdued as he listened to everything he was told, absorbing the information thoughtfully. ”’Course we’ll help,” he replied when all had been discussed, ”Hell, that’s part of the reason we started goin’ after Murphy’s people. To keep what became of John from happening to anyone else.” He nodded emphatically. ”I’ll make certain there’s a good watch set on Dolan and Baker. Everyone else’ll ride into Lincoln to keep an eye on the town. Anything happens we’ll be ready.”

As the group prepared to depart the ranch, Jose Chavez y Chavez caught up with them. He drew his mount up alongside Cooper’s, speaking to the gunslinger quietly. ”Say, Albert, if you happen to come across any sign of Tom O’Folliard, could you let one of us know? When we circled back from Blazer’s Mill, we all kept an eye out, but none of us saw a trace of him. If Dolan knows what happened to him, he ain’t tellin’. We’re all just, y’know, concerned.”

Roberts led the riders across the rolling expanse of the Tunstall Ranch, northward to the foothills. The bounty hunter said little, only speaking when he needed to clarify the route they were taking. His manner was pensive, unnerved even. But whatever his misgivings, he pressed on into the mountains, keeping a brisk pace as the posse made their way to Capitan Pass.

---

The pine forest deepens as the group reaches the Pass, the wide trail that cuts through the mountains. The hard soil bears no imprints of horse hooves or wagon wheels, ample evidence of how few now venture into these heights. Roberts slows his pace, calling Jacinta Castillo forward. He asks the scout to help him keep watch as they continue. ”We’re gonna find trouble up here. That’s a given,” he tells her, ”I’d just like to see it comin’ when it decides to show itself.”

”We are not far,” Shabbakasha says, a frown on his normally calm face. Reaching down, he pats the neck of his paint mare reassuringly.

The air grows colder, the crisp cool of the valley giving way to the sharper temperatures of the mountain heights. As the riders press forward, the tall pines seem to lean inwards, their thick limbs forming a dense canopy over the pass that keeps out all but a few brief glimpses of the sun. Everyone is suddenly aware of the quiet that has overtaken the ride. The sounds of insects, birds, and other forest creatures has subsided, leaving only the noises of the posse’s mounts and the wind passing through the pine boughs overhead.

Roberts tugs at his horse’s reins, bringing it to a halt, his eyes fixed on the trail forward. The rest of the posse is immediately able to perceive the change in the landscape ahead.

The canopy of pines remains, but all are dead, their branches dark and barren. The hard soil is dusted with gray, the earth itself almost the color of coal. The brush gathered at the base of the trees is likewise lifeless, patches of growth that sprung up years ago, frozen in their wait for a Spring that has never arrived.

Though the canopy is lessened by virtue of the trees’ bare limbs, the pass ahead is noticeably darker, the shadows tall and looming, even in daytime. For a moment, all is hushed, but the silence is broken by a pair of distant wolf howls, their mournful keening traveling down the mountain as though there is nothing present to muffle their calls.

Roberts turns in his saddle. ”Last chance to go back,” he says simply.

Dr. Wayland did not seem as willingly chatty as usual.  His mood seems to have soured over something and he's just not bringing himself around.  Of course, anyone might might reasonably be having a low moment right now with all the doom and gloom possibilities.  But he does seem especially sullen and not the self he has been up to now.  Any of the other riders might also still catch muttering snatches of conversation that no one else seems to be a part of.  Not constant and not loud.... just enough to possibly be concerning.  He might not be a well man.

The bounty hunter was entirely unconcerned with what the Regulator's might me psychologically doing to Dolan.  Frankly, he was mildly surprised to find out that the man was still alive at all.  The West can be a very harsh place, especially to those deserving of harshness.  Not that he would /suggest/ anything, of course...

---

Dr. Wayland leaned slightly off to the side in the saddle to view the environs ahead.  THen slowly leaned back straight again to fish a candy from a pocket, unwrapping it with a soft, crinkle of waxed paper (which likely seemed very loud out here).  Before popping the lemon drop into his mouth, he did note, blandly, "Not until we'ah awl dead."  He paused an uncomfortable moment, holding the candy to his lips, then added by way of explanation, "Ah mean... Surely, you have many chances...  To go back...  Until you'ah dead?  Technically, Ah suppose, the last chance would be right befoah you died, but you can't always be shuah when that will happen.  Though....heah seems a likely spot..."  With that, he finally just put the candy in his mouth and stopped rambling.

Kansas Kate couldn't help herself.  "Don't be so sure about that now, might turn out ya gots chances ta go back even when ya are dead."

If there was a place she belonged now... this was it.  She had secured the meat from The Wolf Who Walks and had his liquor and that which she'd appropriated back in town.  Wrapping it all up not to break and trying her best to hide she was packing so much booze was an annoyance.

But for the moment she was eager and spurred her borrowed mount on.  She kept looking at Roberts.  She had to ask him something, but... later.  There was something else right now.

Jacinta gave Roberts a nod at his request for assistance, intending to keep out a watchful eye as they traveled.  The scout halted at the treeline, rifle resting on her thigh, and scanned the area ahead.  It was bleak, but only served as a reminder that they would soon be in the thick of things.

Albert gave a friendly smile over at Chavez y Chavez as the man drew close. Even though they weren't best of friends or anything, Albert felt the man had a good head on his shoulders and was willing to listen to reason when necessary. The cowboy nodded at the request. "Sure thing, Jose. And if ya getta chance, can y'all let my uncle know 'bout where I headed and why, should the worst come ta pass? Closure seems like the best thing for 'em in that case."

---

When he got the chance, Albert moved his horse close to Kate's. "Hey, don't s'pose ya know anything 'bout where O'Folliard got off to? Some folk are worried bout 'im."

---

At the suggestion that there was an option to turn around, Albert actually laughed a little. At least he would enter Hell with a smile.

"Ah know he were s'posed ta head out to th' Tunstall place ta rally th' locals 'gainst Murphy an' them since he can't hide no more, but we parted ways at Lincoln.  Devil knows where he wound up.  Better not have gotten 'imself kilt after all the effort to save his hide."  Kansas Kate answered, clearly not really happy about not knowing, but she had made her choice.  She was here after all.

Albert nodded. "Well, if he did perish while doin' good like that, only so mad ya can be, right? Dangerous business we're all in right now. Bein' saved one day ain't no proof against the next."

"I think that Dolan knows more than he's lettin' on regardin' O'Folliard. He mentioned to me during our altercation that he had some knowledge of that. I reckon I can get it out of him once we're done up here. I mentioned it to Bonney, and I'm sure he'll spread the word among his people before long," he said.

"Anyway, my guess is that even when we're done with the Owl Witch up here, there's gonna be a...a time of reckoning...in Lincoln, I suppose you could call it. Folks that've been in power ain't gonna give it up easy."

Kansas Kate did something... disturbing.  She smiled.  A genuine smile.  Her raspy voice practically purred.

"Oh ah hope they don't want ta give an' inch."  She emitted a low chuckle.  "More'n anythin', ah hope that."

“Sounds like I’ll be busy. You know, I only intended to pick up some herbs that I was running low on and yet...” Tamsin gestures at the group, as if saying here we are. “This has actually been more interesting than the plants.”

Dr. Wayland considered Kate's original note regarding about Death just not being what it used to.  He considered it for a long, long moment; sucking on that lemon drop.  Wordlessly, he decided to concede the point.  He had seen enough in the West to admit that such can often, horribly, be the case.

Tamsin's comment brought a wan smile, "Intahresting indeed, miss.  Ah find that Ah am living in ver-ah intahresting times...."  The Doctor cast his eye back around the creepy wasteland as they rode on conversing.  He hoped to be the first to catch sight of the next interesting thing...

Roberts urges his mount forward, leading the group under the skeleton-like canopy of the lifeless trees, the afternoon light all but fading from view. As if in response to the crossing, a chorus of lonely howls sound from somewhere within the trees,  a welcome of sorts, or perhaps a challenge.

”This up ahead, it’s narrow,” the bounty hunter calls back, ”Bunch of low hanging branches. They were hell on the canvas covers of the wagons.”

Roberts is accurate. For the next hour, the riders are forced to contend with desiccated branches snagging at their clothing and mounts, occasionally inflicting a light scratch on an exposed arm or neck. At times, the sensation is that of clutching fingers, the hands of the long dead reaching out to grasp at the living. Progress, by necessity, is slow, the deep shadows occasionally forcing those in the lead to focus on the ground in order to see the trail clearly. The wind is still and aside from an occasional nervous nicker from one of the horses, the ride is quiet.

Eventually, the trail widens. The dead branches linger, but become far easier to avoid. Snatches of light knife through the canopy in small clusters, the gray light lending some visibility to the trek.

Perhaps another half hour passes before Roberts reins in his horse. He points up ahead. The trail twists eastward, leading up a steep slope that reaches level ground roughly forty feet above. The rise holds a fair amount of loose, dry earth which is littered with pieces of caliche. The dead foliage stands tall and straight on each side, the tightly grouped trunks resembling a wall of shadow.

”It took time gettin’ the wagons up this, but we managed,” Roberts reports, ”Just take it slow. Easy for a horse to lose its footing.”

OOC: I’ll need everyone to provide me with a Riding roll. You can forego the roll if you wish to dismount and lead your horse up the rise.

The Ranger was a fair rider at best; it hadn't been a skill that was much use to him back in Shan Fan, but he had picked up a bit of it once he had come out east and the Rangers had instilled even more skill in him. He wasn't gonna put on a show doing tricks, but he could do the job.

He liked to keep his hands open just in case he had need of them, but he had made sure that the hatchet in his saddlebags was near at hand in case he needed to clear some of this brush.

OOC:

21:13, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Riding.

Albert dodged and weaved his way among the branches as he rode, apparently somewhat bothered by the sensation of being grabbed by the dead trees.

Fortunately for him, he'd spent a lot of time in the saddle so the additional movement didn't cause any issues for Brandy.

OOC:
00:39, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 9,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,1.  Riding.

Most of Kansas' Kate riding experience was catching trains and stagecoaches or evading the law.  She knew she wasn't cut out to be cavalry, but she knew which end of the horse was a politician.

19:23, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 1,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+5)11.  Riding.

Jacinta let her mare pick her own way up the mountain, keeping only a light hold on the reins with one hand.  She gripped her rifle tightly in her other hand as they moved, keeping her eyes on the dead forest, always looking for trouble.


Riding: 5

22:31, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 2,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Riding.

Tamsin usually feels at home under the branches, but this... this is unusual. The ride is not easy, but she manages with some soothing words to her horse.

04:46, Today: Tamsin River rolled 4,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max ((4,4)).

As they wound their way through the forest, Albert passed a couple of bullets to Jacinta.

"A little extra punch, there, J-Lo. That one with the bursting rune'll make fire when it connects. Should do some extra ta one of them dedders. Other one is just like ones I've given ya in the past."


Albert had also created two for himself, which were safely loaded in his gun.

OOC: Sorry for the delay on these rolls. Based on discussion with the GM, Albert had time for 5 bullets during downtime. One of them blew up in his face (literally) but he carved four more.

14:28, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 5,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Magic bullet 5 (LFB).

14:27, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 6,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3.  Magic bullet 4 (LFB).

14:27, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Magic bullet 3 (LFB).

14:27, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 5,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Magic bullet 2 (sac surprise, fire).

11:26, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 1,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Magic bullet (sac surprise, fire).

Keeping in the lead, Roberts manages to urge his mount all the way up the rise, patting the horse’s neck as it reaches level ground. Keeping pace with the rest of the posse, Kearney, Bauer, and Roving Wolf head up the treacherous slope, guiding their mounts carefully over the uneven terrain.

”Any of you have blankets or a coat, you might want to put ‘em on once you’re up here,” Roberts calls down, ”It’s gonna start gettin’ a lot colder.”

"Fire damage?  You tryin' to impress me by going fancy with your magic bullets, Cooper?  If so, it sure is workin'," Jacinta said to Albert with a teasing grin.  She pocketed his bullets with a nod of thanks.

Jacinta was already wearing her poncho, so the cold didn't bother her all that much.  However, what she'd seen in the trees as they continued her ascent made her shiver.  "Best get ready for a fight," she said lowly to their group.  "We got company headin' our way, and it ain't the nice kind."

OOC: Everyone kindly provide me with an initiative draw.

Initiative: QH

21:36, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: QH using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

OOC:

Initiative: AH

I knew my Initiative luck had to turn at some point...even if for a combat where I have no idea what is going on! :)

22:53, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: AH using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

19:27, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: AC using the Deadlands system.

Albert took his hat off his head in response to Jacinta. "I try ta impress any way I can, ma'am. Some ladies it's a bouquet of flowers. Ta others...special bullets."

If they survived this whole thing, maybe they could even have a peaceful dinner together. There were a lot of unknowns between now and then, though.

The cowboy put his hat back on at the warning that they weren't alone and looked about for what might be approaching.

OOC:
19:57, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: 10H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Thu 05 Dec 2019.

[Posted by Marshal]

Dr. Wayland keeps pace with rest of the posse as they move up the slope. His mount, although somewhat hesitant, tackles the steep rise gamely at the urging of the inventor.

09:15, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland, rolled 7,2 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,2.  Riding.

09:15, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland, drew the single card: 2C using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

09:17, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Tamsin River, drew the single card: AC using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

09:59, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 9H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Allies.

10:05, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 8D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Terrantulas.

Castillo’s warning draws the riders’ attention to the maze of barren trees on either side of the slope. With surprising speed, the creatures she spotted emerge from the dead forest. They are black spiders, near the size of wolves, each one carrying a white mark on its furry back which faintly resembles a human skull.  The arachnids’ clusters of milky eyes gaze at the posse without emotion, hunger their only discernible motive.

There are a dozen in all. Several rush for the horses, while others spring into the air, launching themselves at the riders.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

Your action, Ranger Lee.

The Terrantulas have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 5.

The warning from Castillo gave him the advanced knowledge he needed to be prepared for what was about to happen, and he pulled up his horse to bring it to a halt when it was clear danger was coming. Dismounting, he dashed ahead cautiously to meet the oncoming horde of spiders. He had been expecting wolves, but he supposed spiders would have to do.

As usual, the Ranger threw himself into the fray, throwing caution to the wind, attacking in a frenzy. He came down in a roll near two of them, using the momentum from dismounting to rise up into a crouch and deliver a powerful punch to one of them, before swinging his elbow into another in an absolutely devastating blow, and he could distantly feel its chitinous hide parting and a sticky ichor coating the outside of his coat, though he ignored it, focused only on what was next. He swung at a third, but it was a frenzied attack that missed, leaving him exposed to its next attack.

OOC:

After spending a White and a Red, Quickness activates with a raise.

Attacks: 7, 8, 3
Damage: 11, 19

Next Initiative: 8H

All attacks were Wild Attacks, leaving him at Parry 5 until his next action.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
11:35, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 8H using the Deadlands system with rolls of .  Initiative.
11:29, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 19 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15,2.  Damage.
11:29, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 11 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(4+1)5.  Damage (STR+d4+Wild Attack).
11:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 3,3 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Improved Frenzy.
11:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 8,3 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Wing Chun.
11:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7,5 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Fighting.
11:20, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Red Chip.
11:15, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Quickness (White Chip).
11:14, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 3,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Quickness.

---

This message was last updated by the player at 17:39, Thu 05 Dec 2019.

Although one of the spiders manages to evade Lee’s attack, the Ranger’s other two strikes find their targets. The first punch caves in the head of one of the spiders, leaving an oval, concave dent that causes the creature’s eyes to to point in several different directions. The arachnid slides to a sudden halt on the ground, like a puppet with its strings cut.

The second punch lands with such force that its recipient explodes. Pieces of fur and chitin, along with a burst of spider entrails, fly in every direction.

Two Terrantulas die.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

Kansas Kate, Tamsin, you may each take your action when ready.

The Terrantulas have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 5.

Kansas Kate saw a hell of a good reason to put a whole lot of lead in the air.  Hopefully some of it would even connect, but she had to get out of the saddle first.  As her boots hit the ground, the Schofield cleared leather.

Quickdraw Edge to draw the Schofield.
Going for RoF 6, KK has Hip-Shooting to offset some of the penalty.  Shooting at as many different targets as possible.

21:06, Today: Kansas Kate rolled -1,5,0,7,0,16,-1 using d12-2,d12-2,d12-2,d12-2,d12-2,d12-2,d6-2, rerolling max ((1,7,2,9,2,(12+6)18,1)).

Good thing that's not a New Science weapon... that's a respectable 2 hits and 1 hit with a Raise.

21:07, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 8,10,15 using 2d6+1,2d6+1,3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,4,5,(6+1)7,2,5.  Hit, Hit, Hit with Raise.

One gets the stuffing knocked out of it for a Shaken, two may go splat!

As quickly as the revolver fired, it opened and closed, already reloaded.  Sometimes she wondered if she should write a letter to Smith and Wesson.

Speed Load to reload!

And next initiative...

21:10, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 2S using the Deadlands system.

lulz.  Usually when I draw a deuce it's clubs, so that's something at least.

Gunfire erupts in the lonely stretch of forest, the sounds of the shots echoing through the dense stands of trees. One of Kate’s bullets peels a section of fur from the back of one of the advancing spiders. The arachnid gives a tinny shriek in response to the injury. While some of the outlaw’s other shots are sent harmlessly into the surrounding woods, two are deadly. One shatters a spider’s head and jaws, blasting them into fragments. The other splits another spider’s abdomen in two, sending bright green fluid splashing onto the trail as the creature writhes in agony, eventually rolling onto its back as its last violent movements cease.

Two more of the spiders are killed. A third is shaken by the injury it received.

Tamsin, I’m going to treat you as though you’re holding your action. You can act later in the round if you choose.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River - Holding
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

Your turn, Señorita Castillo.

The Terrantulas have a Party of 6 and a Toughness of 5.

Seated on her mare, Jacinta quickly raised her rifle, aiming for one of the jumping arachnids descending upon them.  Her firearm cracked, report echoing against the mountain, as her bullet sped to dispatch the unnatural creature.  Jerking the lever, she chambered another round, already looking for her next target.


Shooting: 9
Damage: 15

Initiative: 6C

22:22, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 9,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Shooting.
22:28, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 15 using 2d8+1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(8+2)10,1.  Damage w/ Raise.
22:30, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 6C using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

The scout’s precisely aimed shot catches one of the spiders at the height of its leap, blasting it cleanly in half, a green mist clouding the air as the two pieces of the arachnid plummet harmlessly to the ground.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River - Holding
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

You have the floor, Mr. Cooper..

The Terrantulas have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 5.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:21, Sun 08 Dec 2019.

Albert mentally chided himself for not having his weapon out of its holster when first warned by Jacinta. His hands were still pretty fast, though, and when the weapon cleared leather he was able to target one of the creatures with relative ease. They were large and rather difficult to miss.

The ordinary bullet he shot managed to strike something rather important to the continued functioning of the terrantula he'd targeted and put it down for good.

OOC: 6 to hit. 12 damage, AP1.

AD for next round.

11:51, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: AD using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

11:51, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 12 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9.  Damage (AP1).

11:50, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 6,3 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Shooting (-1 quickdraw holster).

Cooper’s shot finds another of the leaping spiders, tearing four of its legs off, along with almost half of its thorax. The creature tumbles across the trail, spasming violently, its thrashing kicking up small tufts of dirt until the last of its life leaves it.

Roberts lets out a string of curses as he sees the spiders emerge from the woods, Freeing his rifle from his saddle, he shoulders the weapon and snaps off a shot, the bullet skidding across the head of one of the remaining arachnids.

16:10, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 6,4 using 1d10-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  Shooting.

16:12, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 5 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Damage.

The terrantula is shaken.

Kearney draws and takes aim at one of the spiders that has scuttled close to her mount. She fires, her shot taking a chunk out of the creature’s abdomen.

16:14, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 4,1 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Shooting.

16:15, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 7 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Damage.

Another terrantula is shaken.

”Fuckin’ bugs,” Bauer snarls as the spiders close in on the riders. She draws and fires, blasting another of the arachnids into pieces, the fragments flying back among the roots of the dead trees.

16:16, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 11,5 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+3)11,5.  Shooting.

16:16, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 11,2 using 2d6+1,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+2)8,2.  Damage.

The terrantula is killed.

Roving Wolf pulls his bow from over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing as he watches the springing spiders approach. He looses an arrow at the closest of them, but the missile flies wide, thudding harmlessly into a nearby tree trunk.

16:18, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 1,0 using 1d8-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Shooting.

16:35, Today: Terrantulas rolled 8,5,9 using 1d6,1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,5,(6+3)9.  Spirit.

All of the terrantulas lose their shaken condition.

Although several of the spiders appear to have been injured as they rush the riders, the arachnids manage to press forward with their attack, seemingly unfazed by their wounds.

16:36, Today: Terrantulas rolled 14,5,4,7,7 using 1d8+2,1d8+2,1d8+2,1d8+2,1d8+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,3,2,5,5.  Fighting.

The arachnid that survived Lee’s initial assault sinks its fangs into the ranger’s leg.

16:44, Today: Terrantulas rolled 4,6,3 using 1d8,2d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1,5,3.  Damage.

Total Damage: 13

Ranger, that will leave you shaken with one wound. In addition to any soak roll you choose to make, I’ll need you to give me a Vigor roll to contend with the bite’s poison.

Another of the spiders leaps at Kansas Kate, but the outlaw is able to swat it away with the barrel of her Schofield.

A third spider rushes toward Dr. Wayland, but rather than attacking the bounty hunter, it lunges for his mount, latching onto the horse’s flank.

16:44, Today: Terrantulas rolled 2,10 using 1d8,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,(6+2)8.  Damage.

Total Damage: 12

Dr. Wayland, your mount is shaken with one wound. You’ll need to give me a Riding roll in order to stay mounted. I’ll resolve any effect of poison on the horse after you’ve taken your turn.

In like fashion, another of the arachnids attacks Bauer’s horse, the spider’s fangs stabbing into one of the mount’s front legs.

16:45, Today: Terrantulas rolled 5,9 using 1d8,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+1)7,2.  Damage.

Total Damage: 14

That leaves Bauer’s mount shaken with one wound. On her next turn, Bauer will need to make a Riding roll. I’ll also make a check for the effects of poison on the animal at that time.

The last of the spiders springs up and catches Shabbakasha’s arm in its jaws, blood darkening the rider’s buckskin sleeve. The Comanche grimaces at the bite, but makes no sound in response to the injury.

16:45, Today: Terrantulas rolled 7,6 using 1d8,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1,5.  Damage.

Total Damage: 13

Roving Wolf is shaken and receives one wound. He’ll have to make a Vigor roll on his upcoming turn.

17:34, Today: Marshal drew the single card: AS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Allies.
17:34, Today: Terrantulas drew the single card: 8S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River - Holding
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

Dr. Wayland, it’s your turn.

Dr. Wayland did his best to stay on the rearing horse as the spider thing bit.  He hauled on the reins with one hand, trying to steady the best.  His free hand dove for his revolver.  Pulling it free, the scientist snapped off a quick shot in all the confusion.  It missed, but flashed brightly as it impacted the dirt...

Riding Check - 9
Pistol Shot - 1 Miss!
Next Round's Card - AD

03:47, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland drew the single card: AD using a deck of 54 cards.  Next Initiative.
03:42, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled -1,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Pistol Shot!
03:39, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled 2,9 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9.  Riding!

08:38, Today: Marshal rolled 7 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 7.  Vigor - Wayland’s Horse.

Dr. Wayland’s mount is able to resist the effects of the venom.

Initiative Order

AS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
AD - Albert Cooper
AD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
AC - Tamsin River (Held from previous round)
8S - Terrantulas
8H - Bryan Lee
6C - Jacinta Castillo
2S - Kansas Kate

Roberts urges his mount back down the slope as he squeezes off another shot at one of the remaining spiders. The bullet barely wings one of the large arachnids, the spider’s movements not even slowed by the minor injury.

08:54, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 6,5 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5.  Shooting.

08:55, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 3 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Damage.

Kearney turns, sighting the spider that has seized Shabbakasha’s arm. Letting out a breath, she takes aim at the arachnid and fires, the bullet destroying the creature’s head and midsection.

09:01, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 14,12 using 1d8+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,(6+4)10.  Shooting.

09:02, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 7,3 using 2d6+1,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,3.  Damage.

09:11, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 7,4 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Riding.

09:11, Today: Marshal rolled 6 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 6.  Vigor - Bauer’s Horse.

Bauer manages to remain in the saddle when her mount bucks in response to the bite on its leg. The deputy snaps off a shot at the attacking spider, but misses, the errant bullet kicking up dirt.

09:19, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 3,0 using 1d8-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Shooting.

Roving Wolf clenches his jaw, willing himself to remain on his horse despite his injury. With a nod of thanks to Kearney, he looses an arrow at another of the spiders, the missile breaking one of the creature’s front legs in half.

09:38, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 4,10 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+4)10.  Vigor.

I forgot to factor the wound penalty into this roll, but even accounting for it, that’s a pass.

09:43, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 6,7 using 1d8-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+2)8.

09:44, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 6 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1.  Damage.

The terrantula is shaken.

Four terrantulas remain. One is shaken.

When each of you takes your action (or before, if you prefer), please give me a Notice roll in addition to any actions you take.

Initiative Order

AS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
AD - Albert Cooper
AD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
AC - Tamsin River (Held from previous round)
8S - Terrantulas
8H - Bryan Lee
6C - Jacinta Castillo
2S - Kansas Kate

Mr. Cooper, Dr. Wayland, you may both take your turn.

Albert maintained his position and squeezed off another shot. This one wasn't quite as effective as the first, though it certainly hit the creature.

The cowboy hoped it did more than just piss it off.

14:11, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 2,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Notice.

14:13, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 6,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Shooting.

14:14, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 8 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Damage (AP1).

14:14, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: JC using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Tue 10 Dec 2019.

Dr. Wayland hauled again on the reins, trying to maneuver the horse into sidestepping away rather than just bolting away.  He thumbed the hammer back again and leveled his pistol at the skittering beastie.  The gun cracked and the round smacked home against the spider's head.  Though it did little in the way of damage, it did spray a luminescent dust all over its carapace.  Wayland glared at his pistol as though it had betrayed him...

Pistol Shot - 6, Damage 3!  As a probably useless side benefit, that terrantula is now glowy and will have a tough time hiding...

Next Card - 6D

03:41, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland drew the single card: 6D using a deck of 54 cards.  Next Card!
03:37, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled 3 using 2d4.  Pistol Damage!
03:35, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled 6,5 using d8,d6.  Pistol Shot!

Two of the remaining four terrantulas are shaken.

20:42, Today: Terrantulas rolled 4,2 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Spirit.

One is able to lose its shaken condition. The other does not.

20:44, Today: Terrantulas rolled 2,4,12 using 1d8,1d8,1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4,(8+4)12.  Fighting.

One of the terrantulas springs toward Jacinta Castillo, but falls short of the mark, landing a few feet away from the hooves of the scout’s horse.

Another of the spiders, the one set aglow by Dr. Wayland’s strange ammunition, lunges for the flank of Cooper’s steed, opening a gash in the horse’s shoulder with its fangs.

21:02, Today: Terrantulas rolled 1,9 using 1d8,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4,5.  Damage.

Total Damage: 10

Albert, Brandy is shaken from the injury. You’ll need to give me a Riding roll to remain mounted. I’ll make a Vigor roll for Brandy when your next turn arrives.

The spider that attacked Bauer’s horse scuttles away from her shot, leaping at Aileen Kearney and biting the law dog viciously on the lower leg. Blood blooms on the law dog’s jeans from the deep injury.

20:52, Today: Terrantulas rolled 1,7,8 using 1d8,2d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2,5,(6+2)8.  Damage.

The bite leaves Kearney shaken with two wounds. I’ll make a Vigor roll for her on her next turn.

21:10, Today: Terrantulas drew the single card: AC using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

Initiative Order

AS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
AD - Albert Cooper
AD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
AC - Tamsin River (Held from previous round)
8S - Terrantulas
8H - Bryan Lee
6C - Jacinta Castillo
2S - Kansas Kate

Ranger Lee, you have the floor.

Tamsin, you’re free to act at any point before the end of the round, if you choose.

Four terrantulas remain. One is shaken.

Everyone, in addition to any action you take, please provide me with a Notice roll.

Albert drew a sharp breath between gritted teeth as Brandy was assaulted by one of the creatures. He managed to stay in the saddle but was worried about his loyal and faithful companion.

OOC: Rolled a 5.

20:54, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 5,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Riding.

Will this affect either stable platform or marksman next round?

"I spent the last few years building up an immunity to arachnid venom!" he snarled at the Terrantula with a wicked grin launching himself at the seemingly dazed creature, catching it with an easy punch as he spun into a roll toward Castillo. His next fist connected squarely with the one that had attempted to take on the scout. He scrambled, impossibly fast, toward where Cooper's horse had been bitten, leery of being struck by the bucking horse but still able to land a blow on the one that had bitten Brandy. In the fray to avoid being struck by the horse he had to grab a stirrup, which gave him enough momentum to find himself near Kearney, and bring his fist smashing down into the terrantula that was latched onto her leg.

"Apologies for any overly familiar contact, Miss Kearney," he said, catching his breath as he surveyed the situation.

OOC:

The Vigor 5 gets one success which should soak the wound, and I'm guessing the Vigor 15 is good against the poison as well.

Alright, so Wing Chun and Improved Frenzy while boosted with Quickness gets him a good six punches, only five of which land, and no raises. Quickness and the two actions get him the ability to use up to double his pace, which I've confirmed with the Marshal in addition to a bonus Agility roll to move around obstacles can reach all four of the remaining terrantulas.

Damage Summary: 11, 9, 10, 12, 8.

Notice: 5

Initiative: JS (Just in case)

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
20:59, Mon 09 Dec: Bryan Lee rolled 5,15 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Vigor for Poison.
20:58, Mon 09 Dec: Bryan Lee rolled 5,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Vigor to Soak.
21:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,4 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Improved Frenzy (Wild Attack) 2.
21:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7,6 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Wing Chun (Wild Attack) 2.
21:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 9,4 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Fighting (Wild Attack) 2.
21:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7,7 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Improved Frenzy (Wild Attack).
21:26, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 3,7 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Wing Chun (Wild Attack).
21:26, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7,6 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Fighting (Wild Attack).
21:30, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 8 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max.  Damage (STR+d4+Wild Attack) 5.
21:30, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 10 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max.  Damage (STR+d4+Wild Attack) 4.
21:30, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 12 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max.  Damage (STR+d4+Wild Attack) 3.
21:30, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 9 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max.  Damage (STR+d4+Wild Attack) 2.
21:30, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 11 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max.  Damage (STR+d4+Wild Attack) 1.
09:29, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Agility.
09:58, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.
09:59, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: JS using the Deadlands system.

---

This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Thu 12 Dec 2019.

Lee’s blows are precise, an unleashing of focused force. Each strike reducies its arachnid target into a misshapen, broken heap. Kearney’s eyes widen at the Ranger’s speed, but she breathes a sigh of relief when the last of the spiders is killed. ”Much obliged,” she tells him gratefully, steadying herself on her saddle.

21:24, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 11,14 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+3)11,(6+6+2)14.  Vigor.

OOC: Jacinta and Kate, please go ahead and provide me with a Notice roll before I proceed further.

Jacinta just grinned at Bryan's prowess, not the least bit surprised at the man's agility.  With the last of the giant spiders dispatched, she shoved a bullet into her gun to replace the one that had been lost and turned her attention to their surroundings, searching for additional trouble.



Notice: 8

23:08, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 8,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Notice.

Bloody Kansas Kate was trying to decide between her trying to draw a bead on one of the critters or wading in knife in hand, since they'd all closed to scrap and she wasn't about to throw that much lead into the din.  But there was no need.  The work was all done.

She wasn't complaining, throwing lead around like that, if you did it too much, ate up ammo.

20:40, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 5,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1.  Notice.

Even as the last shots are fired and Bryan Lee races through the ranks of his fellow riders, destroying the last of the spiders, the gathering feels a tremor traveling through the ground, a vibration akin to an earthquake, strong enough to set the branches of some of the nearby trees trembling.

A moment passes. Then, at the top of the slope, there is a great spray of displaced earth, clods of dirt and rocks showering the trail and adjacent woods. Another spider emerges from its burrow, its collection of eyes regarding the gathered posse emotionlessly. It is huge: close to the height of a two story building and twice as wide. Its fangs open and close, making a sound like stone scraping stone, and it takes a pair of steps forward, its enormous legs spearing the ground.

13:33, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 4,1 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Riding.

The heaving soil forces Roberts further down the slope, his mount pawing at the loose ground for purchase. The bounty hunter manages to guide the horse toward the trees, where the earth is solid, avoiding both man and animal taking a tumble down the incline.

OOC: Everyone kindly provide me with a Spirit roll. This is a Fear Check.

In order to be fair, I’m going to stick to the established initiative order, so no one loses a turn.

 Initiative Order

AS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
AD - Albert Cooper
AD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
AC - Tamsin River (Held from previous round)
8S - Terrantulas
8H - Bryan Lee
6C - Jacinta Castillo
2S - Kansas Kate

Señorita Castillo, your turn.

The huge terrantula has a Parry of 8 and a Toughness of 16. It possesses 4 points of armor.

"Ah hell." She muttered.

16:27, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 11,7 using 1d8+5,1d6+5, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2.  Fear Check.

"¡Santa Madre!"  Jacinta's eyes widened at the sight of the unholy terror crawling from the ground.  Mama had awoken and she looked pissed that they'd shot her babies.

The sight of the creature didn't disturb her so much as the size of the creature.  Still, she didn't let it keep her from firing at the beast.



Fear: 9
Shooting: 15
Damage: 19

Initiative: 7C


15:44, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 9,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Spirit (Fear).
15:45, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 5,15 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+6+1)13.  Shooting.
15:46, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 19 using 2d8+1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(8+6)14,2.  Damage w/ Raise.
15:48, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 7C using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

The scout’s well placed shot destroys one of the massive arachnid’s eyes, reducing it to white pulp. The spider lets out a high pitched, whistling shriek, its fangs snapping together in a mixture of pain and rage, its legs kicking up clouds of dirt.

Castillo’s Winchester is AP 2. The shot leaves the giant terrantula shaken.

Initiative Order

AS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
AD - Albert Cooper
AD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
AC - Tamsin River (Held from previous round)
8S - Terrantulas
8H - Bryan Lee
6C - Jacinta Castillo
2S - Kansas Kate

It’s your turn, Kansas Kate.

Kansas Kate cussed some more, though it all ran together.  The señorita had nailed a good shot and had it staggered.  She had to at least make the attempt.  Quickly drawing her levergun she drew a bead and hoped for the best.  Tempted as she was to just empty a cylinder into it, she didn't trust a bullet to stop this thing much less a bullet just buried into one of its bits that wasn't so tender.

So, going for a Head Shot, because... well look at it.  Need an 8 or better have a decent chance...

20:43, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 1,-1 using d12-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Called Shot.

Nope.

20:44, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 10S using the Deadlands system.

Edit:


19:11, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 13 using 2d8+4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4.  Damage Roll.

Still nope
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Thu 19 Dec 2019.

Kate’s shot skids off of the thick carapace that covers much of the monstrous spider’s head, the bullet making a loud crack as it slams into the trunk of a nearby tree.

09:43, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 3S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Allies.

09:43, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 5C using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Terrantula.

Initiative Order

AC - Tamsin River - Holding
JS - Bryan Lee
JC - Albert Cooper
10S - Kansas Kate
7C - Jacinta Castillo
6D - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
5C - Terrantula
3S - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)

Your turn, Ranger.

The huge terrantula has a Parry of 8 and a Toughness of 16. It possesses 4 points of armor. It is currently shaken.

OOC:

I'm going to go On Hold for a moment while I contemplate a plan of action.

Coop, the floor is yours.

OOC: Well, let's see if a magic bullet can be of help here. Maybe even call upon some more magical intervention...

Albert spun the chamber of his weapon and stopped it on one of those special bullets he'd prepared. He let it fly and it seemed to be straight and true, but the beast's hide was...formiddable.

OOC: 7 hexslinger (smite) to add a little damage. 4 to hit, 13 damage (AP 1). I did forget to indicate loaded for bear in my shooting roll as I usually do, so I haven't rolled the damage from that die. GM, let me know if I should do so or just remember better next time.

KS initiative for next round.

13:26, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: KS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

13:26, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 13 using 2d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Damage (AP1).

13:25, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 4,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Shooting!

13:24, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 7,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  Hexslinger (smite).

OOC: Go ahead and roll for the additional damage. I trust your honesty.

Ooc: 4 more damage
This message was last edited by the player at 23:07, Tue 17 Dec 2019.

"Well, hell," he said with a sigh before taking a moment to catch his breath then dashing off in the direction of the monstrosity. It might have unsettled him if he hadn't already had the experience with the big bony thing back in Lincoln. He had his doubts as to whether or not he'd be able to penetrate its thick carapace, but hoped that he could possibly create an opening for some of the others to do that, especially if Coop had any fancy bullets left. He thought he had passed some out earlier.

As he came towards the thing he used a trick he had learned from another ranger named Pete Rose, and dove in head first toward the mounds of soil the great thing had unearthed, scooping up a handful with one of his hands. To get the thing's attention, he cracked his fist into its leg, hoping to at least get its attention if nothing else, and when it looked down at him, he flung that soil from his hand into its eyes.


OOC:

Since Quickness is still up, he's going to use the first action to take his three swings (baseline, wing chun, and frenzy, all with wild attacks. I forgot to add the Wild Attack (+2) bonus and the Huge Creature bonus (+4) to the dice roller so I'll add them in manually to his totals in my summary.

Attacks: 12, 14, 11
Damage: 21, 12, 12

That first hit should be another Shaken (which may be a Wound if it's still Shaken from Jacinta's shot) but nothing from the other two.

Agility Trick: 4 ...which unless the Marshal is extremely unlucky, the spider will beat on an opposed roll.

Initiative: 10D

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)

16:24, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 6,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max.  Frenzy (Wild Attack).
16:24, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,8 using d10,d6, rerolling max.  Wing Chun (Wild Attack).
16:24, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max.  Fighting (Wild Attack).
16:17, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Agility Trick.
16:33, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 12 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3.  Damage (Frenzy, Wild Attack).
16:32, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 12 using d8+d4+2+d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2,4.  Damage (Wing Chun, Raise, Wild Attack).
10:09, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Raise.
16:32, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 16 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,2.  Damage (Fighting, Wild Attack).
16:39, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 10D using the Deadlands system with rolls of .

---

This message was last edited by the player at 16:13, Wed 18 Dec 2019.

ooc: Let's tack on another 4 for a raise.


10:11, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Even more damage!

Lee’s well timed blow finds a weak spot in the arachnid’s leg, opening a round wound just above one of the joints which begins to ooze green fluid. An instant later, Cooper blows a chunk of the carapace covering the spider’s head off, opening another trickling injury between two of its eyes.

The group’s effort’s leave the massive arachnid shaken with two wounds. It will attempt to soak.

14:48, Today: Terrantulas rolled 11,11 using 1d12,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 11,(6+5)11.  Soak Roll.

14:48, Today: Terrantulas rolled 3,5 using 1d12,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Soak Roll.

It succeeds in soaking both injuries, which will also remove the shaken condition.

Apparently sensing Lee’s intentions a moment before he acts, the spider raises itself up, keeping its eyes safely away from the handful of dirt that is aimed at them.

15:08, Today: Terrantulas rolled 7,2 using 1d12,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Agility

Initiative Order

AC - Tamsin River - Holding
JS - Bryan Lee
JC - Albert Cooper
10S - Kansas Kate
7C - Jacinta Castillo
6D - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
5C - Terrantula
3S - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)

Kansas Kate, back to you.

The huge terrantula has a Parry of 8 and a Toughness of 16. It possesses 4 points of armor. Due to its size, posse members add a +4 bonus to attack rolls against it.

Kansas Kate debated a couple of options, but they seemed too complicated.  She opted to just shoot the damn thing.  Or try to.  This wasn't quite her usual style but she was all about what was effective not what was customary.  She drew a bead, and remembered to slow her breathing (and immediately felt silly, but technically she did still breathe when she had to talk...).

So let's do that thing again with a headshot, should be -4 for that, then +2 for its size for a cumulative -2.

21:24, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 17,3 using d12-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (12+7)19,5.  Shooting.

Hit with a Raise by any standard!

I count 18 damage - 21:26, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 14,4 using 2d8+4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,7,4.  Rifle with Called Shot, Raise.

Oh and as a reminder, this weapon has AP2 which could be very relevant here!

21:28, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: QH using the Deadlands system.

On the right side of the monstrous spider’s head, Kate’s shot blasts away a large piece of the creature’s protective carapace, opening a sizable, weeping wound that spills green fluid over two of the arachnid’s unblinking eyes.

The spider is shaken.

Initiative Order

AC - Tamsin River - Holding
JS - Bryan Lee
JC - Albert Cooper
10S - Kansas Kate
7C - Jacinta Castillo
6D - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
5C - Terrantula
3S - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)

The floor is yours, Señorita Castillo.

The huge terrantula has a Parry of 8 and a Toughness of 16. It possesses 4 points of armor. Due to its size, posse members add a +4 bonus to attack rolls against it.

Seeing the creature bleed spurred Jacinta into taking another shot.  She racked one of Albert's magic bullets into the chamber, took careful aim, and fired.  Rifleshot cracked against the mountainside as her bullet sped toward the monstrous thing.




OOC:  Using the regular LFB bullet Al gave her.

Shooting: 10 (6+4 size)
Damage: 25 (LFB + raise)
Initiative: 10C

14:56, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 3,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Shooting.
14:59, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 10 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 4,6.  Damage (AP2).
15:02, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 15 using 1d8+1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,3.  Damage (LFB + Raise).
15:03, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 10C using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

The scout’s rifle shot finds the same weak spot that Kate’s prior gunfire exposed. The impact of the rifle round sends more fragments of carapace flying and causes the eye just below it to sag grotesquely forward, its lens growing dull and gray. The green liquid that is the arachnid’s blood splashes across its face, streams of it pouring from its open fangs. It stomps the ground in obvious pain, sending dirt flying into the air and loose branches tumbling from the nearby trees.

The shot leaves the spider shaken with 2 wounds. It will attempt to soak.

13:47, Today: Terrantulas rolled 7,1 using 1d12,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Vigor - Soak Roll.

That’s sufficient to soak one wound, but not both.

The spider remains shaken with one wound.

Initiative Order

AC - Tamsin River - Holding
JS - Bryan Lee
JC - Albert Cooper
10S - Kansas Kate
7C - Jacinta Castillo
6D - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
5C - Terrantula
3S - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)

It’s your turn, Dr. Wayland.

The huge terrantula has a Parry of 8 and a Toughness of 16. It possesses 4 points of armor. Due to its size, posse members add a +4 bonus to attack rolls against it.

Dr. Wayland's eyes widened at the sight of the gigantic spider, as he declared, almost happily, "Amazing!"  Amazing or not, he did seem to join in the general concensus that the beast needed to be shot.  He thumbed the hammer of his pistol and lined up a quick shot...  The gun cracked and the round sped downrange right between a set of the thing's eyes.  Upon impact, it flared a brilliant burst of blinding light!

Pistol Shot - Flash Round - 11 to Hit, 10 Damage (Which does nothing).  Flash Effect - Spider makes an Agility Roll or is blinded for 1d6 rounds.

Next Round - KD

01:45, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland drew the single card: KD using a deck of 54 cards.  Draw!
01:45, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled 6,4 using 2d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,1,4.  Damage with Raise.
01:44, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled 11,7 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3.  Flash Round!

05:42, Today: Tamsin River rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Fear test
*Forgot to put in +2 for Brave trait, so results are actually 5, 3.

02:55, Today: Tamsin River rolled 9,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max (((6+3)9,1)). Entangle.

05:52, Today: Tamsin River drew the single card: AH using a deck of 54 cards.


Everyone keeps saying that what she and Ada Winter do is like magic. Over and over and over again. Everyone. And with the way their days have been going...

Too much thinking, not enough doing.

Tamsin figures she should try and see if she can do anything else. Perhaps now is not the best time, but if it works...

”I have no idea what I’m doing but I really need it to work right now, so please work, please work, please work, please work, please work...”

12:36, Today: Terrantulas rolled 2,4 using 1d12-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Agility.

Dr. Wayland’s round briefly lights up the dead forest like daytime. The massive spider, apparently perceiving the attack, lowers its head, causing the shot to detonate on its back, avoiding the blinding burst of illumination.

12:47, Today: Terrantulas rolled 2,0 using 1d12-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Agility.

Roots erupt from the dark earth, life still lingering beneath the blanket of dead soil. Greedily, they wrap themselves around the spider’s limbs, trapping them in their tight grasp. One root, wide and ancient, throws itself over the arachnid’s midsection, trying to pull the massive creature to the ground.

OOC: As River’s Tribal Medicine roll succeeded with a raise, the spider is fully entangled, which prevents it from taking any actions that rely upon Strength or Agility. Since it is the creature’s turn, it is entitled to a roll to break free of its bonds, using Strength or Agility. It will use Strength.

13:01, Today: Terrantulas rolled 11,11 using 1d12+7,1d6+7, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Strength.

A terrible struggle ensues, the enormous creature wrestling mightily with its bonds, the battle shaking the nearby trees and sending tremors through the forest, dead branches and pieces of bark, along with a spray of dark earth, peppering the posse. The fight appears to require all of the arachnid’s considerable strength, but it is able to free its legs, then its body, from the grasping roots, a sharp squeal emerging from it as it wrestles free.

OOC: The spider is able to free itself, but the act of doing so effectively requires all of its effort for the turn, robbing it of the ability to attack any of those nearby.

13:08, Today: Terrantulas drew the single card: 3H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

13:24, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 7,1 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Spirit - Fear Test.

Roberts wheels his mount away from the struggling spider, then takes aim with his rifle. The shot tears a clump of fur from the monstrous creature’s back, but does little else.

13:15, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 5,8 using 1d10+4,1d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Shooting.

13:15, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 5,9 using 2d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3,(6+3)9.  Damage.

13:26, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 4,2 using 1d8-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Spirit - Fear Test.

13:26, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 2,3 using 1d8-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Spirit - Shaken.

Although Kearney’s face registers determination, her still bleeding wounds cause her to struggle to bring her rifle to bear on the arachnid, the quaking earth compounding her difficulties.

OOC: Kearney is able to pass the Fear Test, but remains Shaken.

13:27, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 1,5 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Spirit - Fear Test.

Bauer takes careful aim with her Peacemaker, squeezing off a shot as the spider tears free of its bonds.

13:17, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 5,1 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1.  Shooting - Called Shot.

13:19, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 11 using 2d6+5, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Damage.

The bullet blasts away more of the black carapace that protects the spider’s head, but appears to cause it little injury.

13:28, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 4,16 using 1d10+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+6+2)14.  Spirit - Fear Test.

Shabbakasha, noticing Kearney struggling, urges his horse close to hers. Putting his hand on her shoulder, he speaks a few words, his tone authoritative. [Language unknown: ”Ons undounday u tinivehou lareof tewi utofssli u din.””]

Power points used: 3

13:21, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 19,3 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+3)19,3.  Tribal Medicine - Healing.

Roving Wolf’s use of Healing rids Kearney of her two wounds. Her recovery also allows her to shed her shaken condition.

16:39, Today: Marshal drew the single card: JS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Allies.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River
KS - Albert Cooper
KD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
QH - Kansas Kate
JS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
10D - Bryan Lee
10C - Jacinta Castillo
3H - Terrantula

Ms. River, it’s your turn.

OOC: I’ll let Tamsin hold her action until later in the round.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
KS - Albert Cooper
KD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
QH - Kansas Kate
JS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
10D - Bryan Lee
10C - Jacinta Castillo
3H - Terrantula

Your turn, Mr. Cooper.

Albert lined up another shot, exhaling a moment before he pulled the trigger.

His aim was true, but so was the creature's carapace. Albert looked for signs that the bullet punched through and swore softly at the apparent lack of success.

OOC: Hit with a raise, but garbage roll on the damage. 15 total damage (AP1), even with LFB. Albert is now out of magic bullets.

5H next round.


17:18, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: 5H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

17:17, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 8,2,5 using 2d6+3,d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2,2,5.  Damage.

17:17, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 8,10 using d8+6,d6+6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Shooting (w/size and marksman, LFB!).

The tough exterior of the spider manages to hold firm against Cooper’s skillful shot, the arachnid losing several chips of carapace, but apparently suffering no further injuries.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
KS - Albert Cooper
KD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
QH - Kansas Kate
JS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
10D - Bryan Lee
10C - Jacinta Castillo
3H - Terrantula

Back to you, Dr. Wayland.

Dr. Wayland sighed at the ineffectiveness of his pistol, yet again.  With a roll of his eyes, he re-holstered the piece and went for something with a bit more firepower.  He set about loosing the ties holding his lightning gun at the back of his saddle, muttering coldly as he did so.  As though giant, nigh-unkillable spiders, were just sooooooo annoying....

Put away pistol and start to retrieve the LIghtning Gun.  However long GM feels it would take to unsling the beast....

Next Init Card - JC

01:48, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland drew the single card: JC using a deck of 54 cards.  Next Card.

OOC: Dr. Wayland, I’ll say that you’ll have that monster ready to fire on your next turn.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
KS - Albert Cooper
KD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
QH - Kansas Kate
JS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
10D - Bryan Lee
10C - Jacinta Castillo
3H - Terrantula

Kansas Kate, you’re up.

Well, it seemed they had unwittingly found a way that sort of worked.  It wasn't like Kate of Kansas fame was going to suddenly grow fancy magic powers at any rate.

She took a breath, held it for an instant and snapped off a shot with the repeater.  She just hoped they could find a way to put a bullet in the right spot before the Ranger gave out.

+4 size, -4 yet another Called Shot to the noggin of this critter

18:43, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 4,4 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  pew pew.

Well it hit, that's something!

18:43, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 26 using 2d8+4, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(8+7)15.  Damage Roll.

There we go, that's really something.  Okay, since this is an AP 2 weapon, it will ignore 2 points of the creature's Armor (i.e. part of its total toughness).  That works out to be particularly significant in this case!

18:45, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: JD using the Deadlands system.

Kate’s carefully aimed shot lances between two of the arachnid’s eyes, the impact destroying both of them and opening a large wound in the center of the enormous spider’s head. It lets out another shriek, this one far louder, as green fluid splashes from the terrible injury. Swaying momentarily, the creature leans against a pair of trees, uprooting both of them and sending them crashing into the dense forest.

OOC: Kate’s shot leaves the spider shaken and inflicts two wounds.

That leaves the beast shaken with a total of three wounds.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
KS - Albert Cooper
KD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
QH - Kansas Kate
JS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha) - Holding
10D - Bryan Lee
10C - Jacinta Castillo
3H - Terrantula

For the moment, I’m going to have the friendly NPCs hold their actions in deference to the Player Characters.

So, Ranger Lee, the floor is yours.

A blur of movement, Bryan continued to strike at every exposed surface of this thing, moving around its leg in a hope that he could strike it from unexpected quarters each time, hoping to find a sufficiently brittle part in its chitinous armor to strike, and though his blows landed each time and once he heard something of a crack, it seemed they were for naught. At least he hoped he could prove a useful distraction while someone plugged its dome with a bullet, hopefully before it chomped him in half.

OOC:

Paid 2 PP to extend Quickness another round. Basically, between Fighting, Wing Chun, Frenzy, and Quickness, I took six attacks. I hit six times. It would take at least a couple of good aces to even Shake let alone wound the thing, and I didn't get 'em.

So Ranger Lee will need Jacinta and the allies to save his bacon.

I hope they can take this sucker down, but if not, Initiative: QC

Although the blows do no discernible harm, the wounded spider shifts about unsteadily, its limbs spearing the earth as it tries to locate the creature that is swarming and harassing it. As the arachnid struggles to track Lee’s movements, the other members of the posse can see that the prior injuries to the creature’s eyes have taken their toll, limiting its vision.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
KS - Albert Cooper
KD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
QH - Kansas Kate
JS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha) - Holding
10D - Bryan Lee
10C - Jacinta Castillo
3H - Terrantula

You’re next, Señorita Castillo.

Jacinta took aim once again.  While her shot hit true, it lacked enough power to penetrate the creature's hide.


OOC: No help from Jacinta.  :(

Shooting: 8 (4 + 4 size)
Damage: 7
Initiative: 8C


00:21, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 4,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Shooting.
00:25, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 7 using 2d8+1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,3.  Damage w/ Raise.
00:26, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 8C using the Deadlands system.

Reaching over, Kearney grabs the rope from Bauer’s saddle. Handing the deputy the end, she shouts, ”Tie it on your saddle horn! Get ready to pull!”

Urging her horse forward, Kearney twirls the lasso over her head, then makes a throw.

09:30, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 2,4 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Throwing.

With the modifiers (+4 for Size, -2 for Called Shot - Limb, that’s a total of 6.

The loop snags one of the spider’s upraised legs. Bauer immediately urges her mount to pull. Securing a length of the rope to her own saddle, Kearney prompts her horse to join the effort.

09:33, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 15 using 1d12, rerolling max with rolls of (12+3)15.  Horse - Strength.

09:31, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 8 using 1d12, rerolling max with rolls of 8.  Horse - Strength.

Kearney’s assist gives a +2 boost to Bauer’s roll, bringing the effective total to 17.

09:36, Today: Terrantulas rolled 13 using 1d12+7, rerolling max with rolls of 6.  Strength - Grapple.

The two riders have the spider’s limb trapped, effectively keeping the creature off balance and in place, for the moment.

Seeing Lee engaging the spider at close range, Roberts swings down from his saddle. Grasping one of the amulets around his neck, he whispers a few words, his form suddenly shifting to that of a wolf.

Power Points Used: 3

Shape Change to wolf.

The gray canine charges down the slope, snapping at one of the spider’s legs.

10:30, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 6,13 using 1d6-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,(6+6+3)15.  Fighting.

10:31, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 4,7,4 using 1d6,1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(4+3)7,4.  Damage.

The wolf is able to catch one of the spider’s limbs in its jaws, but its teeth are unable to pierce the arachnid’s carapace.

OOC: Ranger Lee, as long as Roberts remains engaged with the Terrentula, you’re entitled to a +1 Gang Up bonus.

Roving Wolf rides several paces forward, drawing closer to the massive arachnid. Raising his coup stick over his head, he shouts at the creature in his native tongue. [Language unknown: ”Bess atiwasart areintlat mele! Lored enhaof olhas!”]

Power Points Expended: 2

Cast Boost/Lower Trait

10:45, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 6,4 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Tribal Medicine.

10:45, Today: Terrantulas rolled 6,4 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Spirit.

What are the odds? However, factoring in the -3 penalty for the spider’s wounds will enable Shabbakasha to win the opposed roll.

The spider’s Spirit is reduced to 1d8.

10:50, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 6D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Allies.

10:52, Today: Terrantulas rolled 1,1 using 1d8-3,1d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Spirit.

The spider is unable to overcome its Shaken condition.

10:57, Today: Terrantulas drew the single card: 6C using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
QC - Bryan Lee
JD - Kansas Kate
JC - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
8C - Jacinta Castillo
6D - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
6C - Terrantula
5H - Albert Cooper

Tamsin, as you’re holding, you may take your action when you’re ready.

Ranger Lee, it’s back to you.

As the arachnid lurched to one side, Kearney's clever tactic pulling the creature off balance, Lee took his opportunity to use nimbly move up onto on of its legs and jump onto it's back, clinging to a piece of its carapace with one of its hands that provided a suitable handhold for the moment, and close enough that he could possibly strike the thing in the head.

If anything was more hard headed than Bryan, it was this goddamned spider. Still, he thought maybe that getting closer would do the trick.

"Why won't..."

His fist smashed against its head uselessly.

"...you.."

He brought it back again for another blow, and felt it start to give a little.

"just..."

He thought that perhaps the third strike would do it. A few pieces of its carapace seemed to fly off with no impact to the beast, leaving his hand bruised and cut up.

"die...!"

The exasperation was clear in his voice as he slammed his fist against its hard head repeatedly, and then simply grabbed on with both hands as the creature moved about, trying hard to maintain its perch. One well placed shot...., he hoped silently.

OOC:

Alright, so with a gang-up bonus of +1, a Wild Attack bonus of +2, a size bonus of +4, and a head-shot penalty of -4, I'm going to make some more punches against its current Parry of 7. Quickness is no longer up, and I'm going to let it lapse: need to save some PP for the Owl Witch confrontation.

With a successful Agility roll (5), Lee scrambles up and grabs a piece of its chitinous armor close to its head and starts wailing on it. Three attacks (9,7,15) yield three hits one with a raise. Damage results are 16, 18, 18, so not enough to bypass the armor.

No change in status from this action.

Lee is clinging precariously from the spider's armor with both hands, at 5 Parry.

Initiative: AC

Despite not landing a killing blow on the massive creature, being so close to its head, the Ranger can hear emit it a small shriek, of pain, or irritation, or both, as he makes each strike.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
QC - Bryan Lee
JD - Kansas Kate
JC - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
8C - Jacinta Castillo
6D - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
6C - Terrantula
5H - Albert Cooper

It’s your turn, Kate.

That's Kansas Kate, you say the whole thing ya tinhorn!

Kansas Kate seemed delighted with this latest development.  "Whooo-eeee, ride that doggie!"

You know the drill. Called Shot, Size, etc.

20:35, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 5,5 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Shooting.

20:35, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 14 using 2d8+4, rerolling max with rolls of 4,6.  Damage.

Hmmmmm, nope, not even with the AP2.

20:36, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: BJ! using the Deadlands system.

Well that's something at least.

The outlaw’s shot blasts away another piece of the arachnid’s armor before ricocheting off into the deep forest.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
QC - Bryan Lee
JD - Kansas Kate
JC - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
8C - Jacinta Castillo
6D - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
6C - Terrantula
5H - Albert Cooper

Your turn, Dr. Wayland.

The strange weapon was loosed from its bindings and its dust cover was ripped away, all in one smooth motion.  Dr. Wayland deftly adjusted a dial here.  Flipped a sitch there.  The voltaic cells along the stock bubbled and roiled and the gun began to hum in an ominous fashion.  Upon looking at the giant spider again, Wayland frowned slightly at the sight of so many of his party now engaging the beast in a lopsided melee.  He leveled the lightning gun, speaking loudly, "Best to cleah out!  Jupiter desires to speak to this monstah!"

Holding until friendlies are in the clear of the Burst!  Unless they kill it, of course.  That'd be fine as well.

Tamsin digs through her bag and extracts a bullet- the one Albert had made her in Angus that she never had the opportunity to use.”Here. You’re a much better shot than I am,” Tamsin says, offering it to Jacinta. ”Unless we’re going to let Dr. Wayland deal with it.”

Upon hearing Dr. Wayland’s shouted warning, the wolf that is Andrew Roberts scrambles away from the spider’s legs in anticipation of the inventor unleashing hell with his strange weapon. Kearney and Bauer keep their mounts pulling on the creature’s trapped leg, but walk their horses back a few steps, to provide more clearance.

Initiative Order

AH - Tamsin River - Holding
QC - Bryan Lee
JD - Kansas Kate
JC - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland - Holding
8C - Jacinta Castillo
6D - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
6C - Terrantula
5H - Albert Cooper

You have the floor, Señorita Castillo.

Jacinta, to the best of my knowledge, the shell provided to you by Tamsin is one of Albert Cooper’s Loaded for Bear rounds, which adds an additional die of damage to a shot. Please note that it is a pistol round, not a rifle cartridge. Since you don’t carry a revolver, if you want to make use of it, you could take the shot with Tamsin’s Colt Lightning, which I’m presuming she would allow.

Jacinta grinned at the healer.  "Aww, that's mighty sweet of you Tams.  You load that sucker into your Colt, an' I'll be happy to drill it into something for you.  I got one left with this bitch's name on it, though."  Taking aim, she loosed another rifle round with a solid crack and sent it speeding at the oversized arachnid.


Shooting: 13
Damage: 21 (Raise + LFB)
Fire Damage: 5
Initiative: AC

22:39, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 13,9 using d8+6,d6+6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3.  Shooting.
22:43, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 21 using 3d8+1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2,7,5.  Damage w/ Raise + LFB.
22:43, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Fire Damage.
22:43, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: AC using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

Castillo’s shot spears through another of the massive creature’s eyes, reducing it to ruin as it travels deep into the arachnid’s head. The spider sways drunkenly, the strength suddenly abandoning its limbs. Already off balance because of the lasso that has bound one of its legs, it tips in that direction, dropping heavily into its side as the last of its strength abandons it. Lee, easily sensing the creature’s death, is able to agilely jump clear of it as it begins to fall.

A few of the spider’s limbs spasm, curling and straightening in random jerks before becoming still, the animate light within its remaining pale eyes finally fading.

OOC: Combat over.

Standing close together, Lee, Bauer, and Kearney notice that the top of the fallen spider’s head has begun to swell rapidly, cracks forming in its carapace that glow like burning coals, smoke escaping from a couple of the newly formed fissures.

Approaching from behind, the wolf that is Andrew Roberts regards the dead spider with a cocked head.

Albert looked around cautiously from his Brandy-perch. He certainly hadn't noticed anything else creeping about, but it wasn't like spiders were particularly noisy creatures.

His gun was held low as his eyes scanned from beneath a well-worn, dark gray fedora. While this had been a bit of excitement, the cowboy appeared to not be particularly upset by the encounter. It helped that it didn't appear any of his friends had been significantly injured in the exchange.

Kansas Kate kept her rifle sight trained on the creature until she was sure it would trouble them no more, which didn't take very long.  She sighed and reloaded the cartridges she'd expended.

First rule, are guns are always loaded.

It was both a safety rule and a best practice in life.

Slinging the weapon over her shoulder, she pulled out one of her bottles and dismounted, walking over to inspect the tarantula.

With a solemn sigh, she took off her hat and held to her heart and took a pull.   She felt loss, for very few things in this world were as ornery and hateful as Kansas Kate.  Though they'd been enemies, the outlaw was now less of a being, less present in the cosmos, for the loss of the monster.

Dr. Wayland slowly lifted the "muzzle" of his lightning gun, while eyeing the thing and its death throes.  Very quietly, he says, perhaps to his weapon, "We'll speak latah..."  He carefully thumbed the knife switch open again and took a few moments to check over the piece's wiring.

Kearney tugs the rope free and winds it back into neat loops before handing it back to Bauer. ”Thanks,” she tells the deputy, ”Couldn’t have managed that without your help.”

”Glad to,” Bauer answers with a grin. ”I wouldn’t have even thought to try somethin’ like that. Worked like a charm, too.”

Human once more, Roberts approaches Lee and Shabbakasha, his gaze fixed on the enormous form of the spider.

”When you rode up here before, when you followed Murphy and the wagon train, did you see such things then?” Roving Wolf asks, pointing to the dead arachnid with his coup stick.

”No, we didn’t,” Roberts replies with a shake of his head. ”It’s almost like...things have grown worse up here.”

He points to the slope. ”Top of the slope, we’re going to swing west for a piece. Steady climb, but the ground’s not too rocky. Easy for horses to manage. It’ll get colder though. I hope we’ll make the pine ridge by nightfall. It’s another patch of forest. The last bit of it before we head up to High Lonesome. It’ll be a good spot to make camp.”

Kansas Kate re-corked her bottle and kicked the corpse of the nasty thing, having paid her respects to it.  "All right, let's haul ass."

Still seated on her horse, Jacinta reloaded her rifle, mourning the loss of the special bullets that Albert had made her.  She'd been hoping to save them for whatever they'd face at the end, but the need had been great.  That spider could have easily killed them all.  Lord knows how much worse it'd get.

Throwing a glance about the dead forest, she scanned the area for any lingering threats.  Thankfully, the only movement she could see was the twitching of spider corpses.

Dr. Wayland decided not to put his lightning gun completely away this time.  He did settle it as carefully as he could for a moment across the saddle to free his hands long enough to reload the, apparently, less useful pistol.  Once complete, the pistol was put away again and the lightning gun taking a firm, ready grip.  To whoever might be nearby, "Grown worse...  Perhaps it will grow even worse the fahthah in we go..."  He eyed the body of the terribly, terribly large spider a moment, "Ah am so excited to see what could possibly be worse..."  He did not sound excited.

Roberts mounts his horse, waiting patiently for the others to fall in line behind him before ascending the slope a second time. The bounty hunter remains wary, watching both sides of the trail for any hint of movement, but perceiving none. The posse makes the ascent without incident and soon all are riding westward at a steady pace.

The trail narrows, taking on the appearance of a deer path, as opposed to a route used by riders. Boulders dot the steady upgrade, along with a few pines, piñons, and cottonwoods, their trunks and leaves pale gray, the life leeched out of them by whatever calls the mountain home. Occasionally, the wind speaks, its tone soft and weighed with sadness, but aside from its voice, and the occasional nicker from one of the horses, stillness prevails. The gentle, barren slope passes by at an even pace, the mounts keeping finding easy purchase on the chalky ground.

As the group climbs, each of the riders has the experience of perceiving movement nearby: a figure peering from behind a boulder, a shadow flitting from the trunk of one tree to another, something following the line of horses from behind, darting in and out of cover. The motion always appears in the rider’s peripheral vision, vanishing completely whenever it is focused on directly.

As the sun begins to settle into the west, the dark line of the pine forest comes into view. Almost as soon as it does, a light snow descends, its widespread flakes tossed about by gusts of wind. The breath of the horses and riders steam, clouds of white vapor that vanish against the washed out terrain of the pass. For an instant, all hear the tones of a woman’s voice, sounding the opening notes of a sad ballad, the name of which escapes its hearers. The music is there, then gone, banished by the rustling of frost laden tree limbs.

The forest pushes out the remaining light of the late afternoon, ushering evening in early. Roberts presses forward into the woods, and some notice that the packed earth they ride over is marked with the aged ruts of wagon wheels. Soon, a stone overhang, granite the color of charcoal, parts the foliage on the right side of the trail. It is wide and almost forty feet in length, attached to an angled cliff, its wall smooth from erosion. Roberts urges his horse toward it, then dismounts, hitching the animal on one of the shale colored tree trunks.

”Last place the train made camp,” he tells the others as he starts to build a smoke. Above, the snowfall increases, finding gaps between the shadowy branches overhead.

OOC: Provided the group agrees with Roberts’ plan to make camp, they wil likely need to set an overnight watch. Any of the NPCs will be willing to keep watch at any hour that is assigned to them.

"Th' last watch drawn."  Kansas Kate indicated simply, figuring whatever was left after everyone else drew theirs was the most terrifying and dangerous.  She wanted that watch as a distraction against the even more dreaded thought of being alone with her own mind and contemplation of that which she did not truly grasp.

She stared at Buckshot unerringly though, as if she couldn't decide whether it were absurd or she should be disgusted.

As the fight came to a close, Lee lay on the ground for only a moment too long before picking himself up. He looked at his hands, bruised from attempting to smash into the creature with them, and fortunate that they had such capable shots with them. He didn't know who had done it, but it didn't matter much.

He listened to Roberts and the Comanche, agreeing with the plan to camp. He certainly needed his rest.

OOC:

Lee isn't going to take any watches. He is probably just going to wrap his hands and rest to gain the rest of his power points back.

Before turning in, he will talk to Tamsin River to see if they might be able to harvest the arachnid venom glands, and if she might have any containers in which to store it.

Before leaving the monstrous spider to be reclaimed by the mountain, River is able to harvest three vials of the creature’s venom, placing the containers in a safe place among her other supplies.

OOC: The venom requires a Vigor roll upon exposure. If the roll is failed, the victim is paralyzed for 1d6 hours.

The venom could be spread on blades and similar weapons, including arrows. It would not work as a coating for bullets. The heat generated by firing a gun would serve to denature the poison. Each vial could be used to coat four weapons or arrows. A coated melee weapon will “hold” transmittable venom for two hits.